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The PolyU Research Data Repository allows researchers to deposit and share data for diverse scenarios. Here are the types of research data for deposit in different contexts:
Be aware of a few precautions and limitations when uploading your data:
If you have special needs for file number, size or format, please contact us.
File format selection is a crucial consideration when aiming at long-term accessibility of your research data. Ideally, the chosen file format should possess the following characteristics:
While it may not always be possible to find a file format that meets all the criteria mentioned above, it is advisable to safeguard your data by saving it in multiple formats whenever feasible. This approach ensures redundancy and adaptability, mitigating risks associated with format obsolescence over time.
The table below provides guidance on the recommended and accepted file formats for data sharing, reuse, and preservation within the PolyU Research Data Repository:
Data Type |
Recommended formats |
Acceptable formats |
Spreadsheets |
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Statistical Data |
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Databases |
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Text |
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Images |
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Audio |
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Video |
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You may also find more recommended and acceptable file formats for other types of data from UK Data Service.
Image CC-BY-SA by SangyaPundir
To make your shared data useful, your data should be as FAIR as possible. FAIR stands for Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. It is a set of guiding principles formulated by Force11, aiming at optimizing discovery and reuse of research data.
FAIR data is a framework for you to manage your research data to be shared so that other researchers will be able to find it, understand it, and reuse it effectively. Below is a simplified description of what is FAIR. We encourage you to read the original document for details.
► Findable
Make sure the data is discoverable by the others with rich metadata and assigned with a persistent identifier, e.g. a DOI.
► Accessible
Both data and metadata should be retrievable via a standard protocol. In case the data cannot be made open, do make sure to keep the metadata publicly available.
► Interoperable
(Meta)data should be interpretable with different tools, applications, and systems by using recognized formats and standards.
► Reusable
There should be a clear license for reuse of the shared data and persistent identifier for citation. Proper documentation helps others to interpret and reuse the data.
Depositing your research data in a data repository is a good way to help your data to be FAIR, as these data repositories usually will assign DOI to your data, populate the metadata and assist you to specify the license of reusing your data.